Posts tagged Dementia

Smoking May Lead to Cognitive Decline, Study Finds Michael Cerreto, MS, CSC, LDR, Edu-K A new study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry found that “Compared with never smoking, middle-aged male smokers experienced faster cognitive decline in global cognition and executive function.” The study also found that “Smoking is a possible risk factor for dementia, although its impact may have been underestimated in elderly populations because of the shorter life span of smokers.” To create a healthy lifestyle for your mind, you need to avoid substances such as tobacco that negatively impact your mind and body now and in the future. This study is one of the first to link smoking with cognitive decline and possibly dementia. Dementia is a significant problem for elderly worldwide, estimated at 36 million cases in 2010 and is projected to double every 20 years, as explained by the study’s authors. To conduct this study, Séverine Sabia, Ph.D., of University College London, and colleagues examined the association between smoking history and cognitive decline in the transition from midlife to old age. Data were obtained from 5,099 men and 2,137 women, with an average age of 56 years at the first cognitive assessment. Researchers analyzed data using six assessments of smoking status over 25 years and three cognitive assessments over ten years.  The authors identified three key findings. Men who were smokers at the time of the first cognitive test had more rapid cognitive decline than nonsmokers, and men who had only quit smoking in the past ten years also showed greater cognitive decline. Men who stopped smoking more than ten years ago, did not show more rapid cognitive decline than non-smokers. The researchers caution, however, that the study could not be used to determine whether men displaying a more rapid cognitive decline would ultimately progress to dementia. There is better news for women who smoke. The results showed no link between smoking and cognitive decline in women. The researchers believe that this difference may be due to the fact that men in the study tended to smoke more tobacco than women did.  If you currently smoke, this study should be a wake up call to quit or potentially suffer cognitive decline starting in your early old age. A healthy cognitive lifestyle requires that you be conscious of the long-term consequences of your lifestyle choices. While quitting smoking is difficult, there are wonderful support systems in place to assist you in this important goal and lifestyle choice. Based on the University College London study, we now know that this lifestyle choice can make a big difference in the mental quality of life you have as you age. Source: Sabia, S., et al., Impact of Smoking on Cognitive Decline in Early Old Age: The Whitehall II Cohort Study. Archives of General Psychiatry. Published online February 6, 2012. National Institute on Aging online, Smoking in middle age is associated with increased rate of cognitive decline in men, March 22, 2012

Smoking May Lead to Cognitive Decline, Study Finds

Michael Cerreto, MS, CSC, LDR, Edu-K

A new study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry found that “Compared with never smoking, middle-aged male smokers experienced faster cognitive decline in global cognition and executive function.” The study also found that “Smoking is a possible risk factor for dementia, although its impact may have been underestimated in elderly populations because of the shorter life span of smokers.”

To create a healthy lifestyle for your mind, you need to avoid substances such as tobacco that negatively impact your mind and body now and in the future. This study is one of the first to link smoking with cognitive decline and possibly dementia. Dementia is a significant problem for elderly worldwide, estimated at 36 million cases in 2010 and is projected to double every 20 years, as explained by the study’s authors.

To conduct this study, Séverine Sabia, Ph.D., of University College London, and colleagues examined the association between smoking history and cognitive decline in the transition from midlife to old age. Data were obtained from 5,099 men and 2,137 women, with an average age of 56 years at the first cognitive assessment. Researchers analyzed data using six assessments of smoking status over 25 years and three cognitive assessments over ten years. 

The authors identified three key findings. Men who were smokers at the time of the first cognitive test had more rapid cognitive decline than nonsmokers, and men who had only quit smoking in the past ten years also showed greater cognitive decline. Men who stopped smoking more than ten years ago, did not show more rapid cognitive decline than non-smokers.

The researchers caution, however, that the study could not be used to determine whether men displaying a more rapid cognitive decline would ultimately progress to dementia.

There is better news for women who smoke. The results showed no link between smoking and cognitive decline in women. The researchers believe that this difference may be due to the fact that men in the study tended to smoke more tobacco than women did. 

If you currently smoke, this study should be a wake up call to quit or potentially suffer cognitive decline starting in your early old age. A healthy cognitive lifestyle requires that you be conscious of the long-term consequences of your lifestyle choices. While quitting smoking is difficult, there are wonderful support systems in place to assist you in this important goal and lifestyle choice. Based on the University College London study, we now know that this lifestyle choice can make a big difference in the mental quality of life you have as you age.

Source:

Sabia, S., et al., Impact of Smoking on Cognitive Decline in Early Old Age: The Whitehall II Cohort Study. Archives of General Psychiatry. Published online February 6, 2012.

National Institute on Aging online, Smoking in middle age is associated with increased rate of cognitive decline in men, March 22, 2012

Fish Can Cut The Risk of Dementia As It Boosts Blood Flow To the Brain From the Daily Mail Eating fish may boost blood flow to the brain which could stave off dementia in later life, researchers have discovered. The health benefits of a diet rich in omega-3, a fatty acid found in oily fish, have long been suspected, and the findings of two studies into its effects on young people suggest that it can improve reaction times in 18-35 year olds as well as reducing levels of mental fatigue after they perform tough tasks. Although the results suggest that, contrary to popular belief, taking omega-3 or fish oil supplements may not have an impact on the mental performance of young adults, the researchers at Northumbria University say the increased blood flow to the brain it caused could be important for older people. ‘Lead researcher Dr Philippa Jackson said: ‘These findings could have implications for mental function later on in life. The evidence suggests that regularly eating oily fish may prevent cognitive decline and dementia, and increased blood flow to the brain may be a mechanism by which this occurs.  If we can pinpoint both the behavioral and brain blood flow effects of this fatty acid in older healthy people, then the benefits for those with mental degenerative conditions associated with normal aging could be that much greater. Researchers now plan to conduct a study on omega-3 use in people aged 50-70. Related articles Eating fish powers brain (news.bioscholar.com) Keeping mentally fit (silverevolution.wordpress.com) The Trouble with Fish Oil (time.com)

Fish Can Cut The Risk of Dementia As It Boosts Blood Flow To the Brain

From the Daily Mail

Eating fish may boost blood flow to the brain which could stave off dementia in later life, researchers have discovered.

The health benefits of a diet rich in omega-3, a fatty acid found in oily fish, have long been suspected, and the findings of two studies into its effects on young people suggest that it can improve reaction times in 18-35 year olds as well as reducing levels of mental fatigue after they perform tough tasks.

Although the results suggest that, contrary to popular belief, taking omega-3 or fish oil supplements may not have an impact on the mental performance of young adults, the researchers at Northumbria University say the increased blood flow to the brain it caused could be important for older people.

‘Lead researcher Dr Philippa Jackson said: ‘These findings could have implications for mental function later on in life. The evidence suggests that regularly eating oily fish may prevent cognitive decline and dementia, and increased blood flow to the brain may be a mechanism by which this occurs. 

If we can pinpoint both the behavioral and brain blood flow effects of this fatty acid in older healthy people, then the benefits for those with mental degenerative conditions associated with normal aging could be that much greater.

Researchers now plan to conduct a study on omega-3 use in people aged 50-70.

Related articles

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Stimulating the Senses of Dementia Patients

by Shayna Slater from InjuryBoard

Choosing a nursing home for a love one with diagnosed dementia adds additional stress to an already stressful situation. Not only are you likely worried that your loved one will receive proper medical treatment, but you may also be concerned that your loved one will receive sufficient interaction and stimulation from the staff. If your loved one is unable to communicate their desire to be included in activities or express their dissatisfaction in the amount of interaction they are receiving, it is extremely difficult to ensure they are receiving sufficient stimulation while in the nursing home. Sensory stimulation for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is extremely important. It has been shown that sensory stimulation can decrease a dementia patient’s agitation and calm their restlessness. This is a benefit for all dementia patients especially those residing in a nursing home where their caregivers and routine may frequently change causing confusion and agitation. 

Although patients with dementia may not be able to communicate their desire for certain activities, they likely still enjoy the things they did prior to their cognitive decline. The patient who previously enjoyed listing to music, dancing or reading the newspaper, will likely still enjoy those activities. Residents in nursing homes have rights which include the right to dignity and respect. A dementia patient must be treated as a person and not as a diagnosis. These individuals must be included in activities, have daily interactions with other people and receive stimulation from their environment.

Some nursing homes have specialized dementia units that have increased security and supposedly cater to dementia patients. It is important to randomly visit these units and observe the actions of both the patients and staff. Are all of the patients sitting in their rooms or are they gathered together playing games, listening to music, watching an old movie or being read to? These are important distinctions. Dementia patients should be engaged. The nursing home should of course care for the patients medical needs but it should also focus on the individual’s social and emotional needs. This type of care is part of the contract between the nursing home and the patient and the nursing home should be required to honor this promise.

If you do not feel like you loved one is receiving appropriate care and treatment in their nursing home, take steps to report it. Make sure that your loved one is being treated with dignity and respect. A resident suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s cannot be defined by their decline in cognition. The nursing home must take steps to ensure that residents are being cared for and treated in a manner that will hopefully improve their mental, physical and emotional well-being.

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Intelligence protects against dementia, Scottish study finds

Read about this interesting study that tracked the mental development of Scottish children 60 years after initial IQ tests to determine why some developed dementia as adults and others did not. Click the link above to learn more.

Brain Tip: Create a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle “While there is no magic pill for dementia, or even ‘senior moments,’ scientists are converging on what makes a brain-healthy lifestyle.” A recent article in the Orlando Sentinel and the Dana Foundation’s Brain in the News outlines how your daily lifestyle can affect your mind, memory, and brain development. The following are some of the tips and findings explained in the article: Exercise creates a stronger, faster brain Stress kills brain neurons and prevents new ones from growing, and can lead to depression A depressed brain is fertile ground for Alzheimer’s The happier you are, the more you hold onto your memories Exercise and socialization can slow dementia Mental exercises and activities must be novel and challenging to create new bridges between brain cells, which strengthens memory To learn more, you can READ the complete article by Marissa Cevallos. Then, start looking at your own lifestyle to determine how you can make changes that will help your mind grow and stay strong. What methods do you currently use in your life? Let us know.

Brain Tip: Create a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle

“While there is no magic pill for dementia, or even ‘senior moments,’ scientists are converging on what makes a brain-healthy lifestyle.” A recent article in the Orlando Sentinel and the Dana Foundation’s Brain in the News outlines how your daily lifestyle can affect your mind, memory, and brain development. The following are some of the tips and findings explained in the article:

  • Exercise creates a stronger, faster brain
  • Stress kills brain neurons and prevents new ones from growing, and can lead to depression
  • The happier you are, the more you hold onto your memories
  • Exercise and socialization can slow dementia
  • Mental exercises and activities must be novel and challenging to create new bridges between brain cells, which strengthens memory

To learn more, you can READ the complete article by Marissa Cevallos. Then, start looking at your own lifestyle to determine how you can make changes that will help your mind grow and stay strong. What methods do you currently use in your life? Let us know.

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Mind Item

Aging: Men Face More Forgetting, Earlier

Men develop mild cognitive impairment, often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease, earlier and at higher rates than women, according to a new study of almost 2,000 people in their 70s and 80s.

Read more at the NYT

More Education Lowers Dementia Risk

A team of researchers from the UK and Finland has discovered why people who stay in education longer have a lower risk of developing dementia — a question that has puzzled scientists for the past decade.

Examining the brains of 872 people who had been part of three large ageing studies, and who before their deaths had completed questionnaires about their education, the researchers found that more education makes people better able to cope with changes in the brain associated with dementia.

Learn More

From ScienceDaily, July 26, 2010

Promise Seen for Detection of Alzheimer’s Read how a small company headed by Dr. Daniel Skovronsky may have discovered a way to detect plaque build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.  Learn more

Promise Seen for Detection of Alzheimer’s

Read how a small company headed by Dr. Daniel Skovronsky may have discovered a way to detect plaque build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.  Learn more

Education Helps Slow Dementia

Study shows that higher education delays the development of dementia.